An antisemitic flag bearing two swastikas and a desecrated Star of David was flown over NYU’s Grad Alley during graduation traffic, sparking an NYPD hate-crime probe and fresh calls for accountability from city and state leaders.
A flag with two swastikas and the Star of David was raised above NYU’s Grad Alley near Washington Park while students, graduates, and families were walking through campus on Wednesday night. Campus safety removed the flag quickly and the NYPD is actively searching for whoever put it up. The scene added to mounting alarm about repeated antisemitic incidents across the city.
NYU issued a sharp condemnation, calling the display a “hateful symbol expressing antisemitism” and announcing a formal response from campus safety. The university made clear it took the incident seriously and opened cooperation with law enforcement to trace those responsible.
NYU’s formal statement read, “We are shocked and deeply troubled that this hateful symbol expressing antisemitism was raised on a flagpole overlooking Washington Square Park. Campus safety responded immediately to remove it and we are working closely with the NYPD to identify whoever is responsible.“We are one community. We protect each other. And we will not let hate and division find a foothold on our campus.”
This episode is not isolated. Earlier this month and in recent days antisemitic mobs have invaded Jewish neighborhoods, amassed outside synagogues, and harassed worshippers. Publications and protesters have amplified false and inflammatory claims that feed tension, and swastikas were painted on homes and synagogues in Queens just weeks ago. Those incidents have left Jewish New Yorkers feeling exposed and vulnerable.
Antisemitic incidents have skyrocketed under Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s watch, according to local reporting and community accounts. The mayor quickly posted that “Our administration is committed to fighting antisemitism in all its forms and protecting the safety of Jewish New Yorkers,” he wrote on X. “The NYPD Hate Crime Task Force is investigating this despicable act, and I am confident those responsible will be held accountable.”
But rhetoric alone has not stopped the surge. Antisemitism is a feature, not a bug, of Zohran Mamdani’s administration, critics argue, pointing to policy reversals and vetoes that scaled back measures meant to deter hate. One of Mamdani’s first moves was to roll back antisemitism legislation enacted by his predecessor, and his initial veto killed a bipartisan effort aimed at strengthening enforcement across the city. Those choices have alarmed many who expected firmer protections.
State leadership also weighed in. Governor Kathy Hochul condemned the display and reaffirmed the need for safety and intolerance for hate, writing on X, “Antisemitism has no place in our state, on our campus, or in our communities.” Students and families wanted to hear and see action beyond statements, demanding investigations and accountability from city and university officials.
One NYU student, Davin Rabman, a rising junior, said, “I am deeply grateful to the NYU administration for their swift response in taking down the vile antisemitic flag, calling the NYPD, and launching a full investigation into this manner. Uncompromising action is essential for student safety, but seeing the Star of David defiled by swastikas during the graduation celebrations remains a stark and troubling reminder of what we are up against.”
NYU has a recent history of campus clashes and disruptions in the aftermath of the October 7, 2023 terror attacks, including pro-Palestine demonstrations that veered into antisemitic rhetoric. In 2024, antisemitic groups and professors drew law enforcement responses and dozens of arrests; events were canceled over safety fears; and the university settled litigation alleging inadequate responses to the post-October 7 disturbances. Federal authorities have also visited campuses to review rising antisemitism in higher education.
Jewish students and New Yorkers deserve to live, study, and worship in peace, free from intimidation and targeted violence. Many conservatives argue the permissive culture on campus and the city’s policy choices have emboldened agitators and allowed hate to spread. The immediate priority is a full, transparent investigation and accountability for those who raised that flag, while the longer task is restoring public safety and the rule of law across the city.
